Germany discovers 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in Altmark

As countries compete for access to lithium, a critical raw material for the energy transition, Germany has unveiled an unexpected advantage: a deposit containing 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) has been identified in northern Saxony-Anhalt, placing the country among the world’s largest holders of this strategic resource.

Germany’s Altmark lithium deposit

The newly announced discovery was validated in August 2025 by Sproule ERCE, an international consultancy specialising in natural-resource assessments. Its evaluation followed the CIM/NI43-101 technical standard, which is globally recognised for its reliability and transparency in mineral-reserve certification.

Neptune Energy’s direct lithium extraction project

The deposit was identified through Neptune Energy’s lithium extraction project in the Altmark region, which is currently in its pilot phase (2024–2028). The company is using an innovative, environmentally responsible direct lithium extraction (DLE) method that recovers lithium from deep underground water without open-cast mining.

Impact on the automotive industry

The finding marks a strategic step forward for Europe’s automotive industry, which relies heavily on lithium to manufacture electric-vehicle batteries. This reserve could allow Germany to substantially lessen its reliance on imports while strengthening the region’s energy and industrial security.

“Lithium is a strategic raw material for several industries, particularly for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy-storage systems. Germany currently relies heavily on imports of lithium and derived products. Neptune Energy’s planned extraction in the Altmark region could strengthen European supply security by encouraging domestic production and reducing exposure to geopolitical risks,” the statement said.

According to projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), worldwide lithium demand could rise by between 240% and 490% by 2035, depending on the scenario. That makes the discovery even more significant for the future of electric mobility and Europe’s energy transition.

Economic impact

IW Consult estimates that, if the project reaches annual production of up to 25,000 tonnes of lithium, its economic impact could total €6.4 billion between 2025 and 2042. Around 67.4% of that figure would be generated in the Altmark region, where gross regional product could increase by an average of 2% per year.

“Although the project is still in its development phase, the socioeconomic figures clearly demonstrate the potential lithium production will bring over the coming decades. There could be significant positive effects for the Altmark region and beyond,” said Andreas Scheck, Neptune Energy’s chief executive.

The project is also expected to create 1,500 jobs each year, producing direct and indirect effects across sectors including energy, technology, transport and services.